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Rh Chor. O way-worn stranger, thou wilt not reproach

Thy watchman as false prophet, for I see

These maidens now approaching us once more.

Œdip. Where? where? How say'st thou?

Antig. [Rushing to .] My father, Ο my father!

Oh! that some God would grant thee but to see

This best of men who brings us back to thee.

Œdip. Are you both here, my child?

Antig. Yes, Theseus' hands

And those of his dear comrades rescued us.

Œdip. My child, draw near thy father, give to me

To clasp the form I little hoped would come.

Antig. Thou shalt have what thou ask'st. That boon thou seek'st

Is what we yearn for.

Œdip. Where then, where are ye?

Antig. Together, close to thee.

Œdip. Ο dearest offspring!

Antig. Dear to a father is each child of his.

Œdip. Props of my age are ye!

Antig. Sad age, sad props.

Œdip. I have you then, ye dear ones, nor would death

Be wholly dreary, ye twain standing near.

Support me, then, on this side and on that,

Close clinging to your father. Rest awhile

From all the sad lone wanderings of the past,

And tell me briefly how the deed was done:

For at your age the fewest words are best.

Antig. Here is the man who saved us; hear thou him,

Whose is the deed, and then my task is light.

Œdip. [To .] Oh, wonder not, my friend, if I prolong

My tedious speech, now these, beyond my hopes,

Appear again; for well I know this joy